Atlanta Falcons vs Jacksonville Jaguars: Roster Battles
By Sunny Minhas
Jul 26, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Pat Angerer (44) warms up during training camp at Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Linebacker
Role: LB/ST, #2 ILB
In The Race: Tim Dobbins, Pat Angerer, Yawin Smallwood
As with the wide receivers, the team likes to have a special teamer in it’s linebacker corps. Smallwood hasn’t played much special teams this preseason so that’s got to be worrying for him. Tim Dobbins is about to enter his 9th year and Mike Smith has talked about his value as a special teamer. Pat Angerer has had plenty of game time in the last 4 seasons and will need to convince the coaching staff to carry 5 linebackers to make the team.
My Verdict: I think both Tim Dobbins and Pat Angerer will make the team. Mike Nolan’s scheme places importance in it’s linebackers to blitz and cover so I think Angerer gets his chance there. Dobbins will mostly play special teams and Smallwood will find himself on the practice squad.